By Muhammad Mamman
In a vibrant ceremony in Abuja on Saturday, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peace and development by supporting transformative programs for military families. Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), hailed the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Youth Empowerment Project as a beacon of hope, equipping young people with skills to thrive in today’s dynamic economy.
Represented by Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, the COAS celebrated the graduation of 167 trainees at the NAOWA Institute of Management and Technology (NIMTA). The cohort included 134 graduates of a six-week Information and Communication Technology (ICT) course and 32 from a 12-week fashion design and tailoring program—marking the second and first batches, respectively.
“These programs are more than skill-building; they’re a pathway to self-reliance and societal progress,” Oluyede declared. He praised NAOWA President Mernan Oluyede for her visionary leadership, noting that the initiative aligns with national goals to empower youth, particularly in barracks communities, with market-ready expertise, confidence, and purpose. “You are proof that opportunity and vision can spark greatness,” he told the graduates, urging them to inspire others through their newfound skills.
Oghogho Musa, President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), echoed this sentiment, represented by Deputy President Olubuloka Olatunde. She emphasized the critical role of such initiatives in preparing women and youth for Nigeria’s booming tech and creative sectors. “From ICT to fashion, these skills open doors to economic independence and innovation,” Musa said, commending the trainers for shaping resilient, skilled professionals.
